Field of the Year

lugger Field, the home of the Louisville Bats, in Louisville, KY, earned the 2002 Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) Field of the Year Award in Former train Sthe Professional division. Thomas R. Nielsen, Head Sports Turf , and his crew keep a Bluegrass field thriving in the middle of the transition zone despite climate extremes and an average of more than 100 on-field events each year. station site sits The 13,300 seat opened in early April 2000. lielsen joined the organization in October 1999. He says, "The stadium was· in the very beginning stages, at the concrete part of the construction. The old train station formerly at the site had been torn down and the front saved to on Ohio River incorporate into the completed design. The preliminary field specs had been developed, but the subgrade had not yet been set. Having the sports turf man- ager on site at this point, or even earlier, is a great advantage for all involved. I was able to make changes and additions without extensive change orders or construction-overrun costs. These have had a positive impact on the overall field maintenance program both by improving efficiency and cutting long- term expenses." Nielsen's input ranged from the big picture to the small details. For exam- ple, the organization gave him the opportunity to select the type of infield clay, conditioner, and warning track material he wanted to fit the anticipated BY SUZ TRUSTY field conditions. He was able to add strategically placed storage bins for bulk materials and an area for an on-site sad farm. He also developed a detailed layout of the construction details, now plotted on a site map, and posted in the maintenance office where it is easily accessible to all staff members. Because of the stadium's proximity to the Ohio River, much of the con- struction incorporates a floodwall. The tunnel that houses the entry gate for the field is actually a floodwall. There are 40 aluminum sections that attach to three bolts braced in the concrete to complete the seal if flooding is antici- pated. Nielsen has assembled these sections, meticulously marking each one

8 March 2003 SPORTSTURF • http://www.greenmediaonline.com for dry side or wet side and where it fits within the overall panel. With these to the point of puddling, then monitor it as it dries down to keep the moisture detailed instructions, putting the panel in place correctly takes approximately where I want it. This saves valuable crew time. Hand watering takes up to 3 an hour, and it will be watertight. hours, while the system can do it in 15 minutes or less." A geotextile layer separates the old subgrade from the new subgrade. Four- Nielsen notes the construction process is always a learning curve. One ele- and six-inch drain tiles 20 feet on center run through the 6-inch gravel layer ment that takes cooperation is working out the details of when the sports turf and connect into a central tile below the center field gate to the city sewer sys- manager has access to the field for maintenance without conflicting with the tem. The central tile is equipped with flapper-style backflow valve to prevent periods during which the construction companies involved are contracted for sewage backup onto the field during a flooding situation. Excess water within the stadium could then be pumped over the wall. The gravel layer is topped with 8 inches of a 90 percent sand and 10 percent peat mix. The field was sodded a blend of three bluegrass vari- eties-Ram, Georgetown and 1757-grown on the same sand/peat base. Sodding took place during the winter and in three stages within the period of a week to accommodate ongoing construction. Nielsen notes, "The sod laid in the first two stages was able to draw some moisture from the soil profile. Temperatures had dropped con- siderably before the last stage was installed. Because the irrigation system wasn't yet in place, we called in the city fire department to irrigate later in the process when the turf's need for moisture became critical." The current irrigation system consists of 34 Hunter 1-20, 46 1- 40 and 9 1-44 irrigation heads for a total of 89 heads in 13 zones, including the infield clay area. Nielsen says, "We added irriga- tion for the infield clay and the grass berm after the initial instal- lation. The irrigation for the out- side landscaping is operated with three separate control boxes. The field irrigation system can be controlled by a control panel or by remote control. I manually adjust irrigation run times based upon the daily use of a hand- held soil moisture sensor. In between irrigation cycles, I water by hand. There are eight quick couplers positioned around the field so the entire field can be watered with a 130-foot hose. "We use the timer mainly for overnight irrigation. Generally, we'll irrigate during the day and turn the system on with the remote to control moisture levels more precisely. I will use the irri- gation system to water the clay when it can coincide with the regular turf irrigation. When the team is out, I'll irrigate the clay

Circle 063 on card or www.oners.ims.ca/2077-063 http://www.sportsturfmanager.com • STMA SPORTSTURF 9 Field of the Year

field care: He says, "We needed to negotiate Louisville winter temperatures can drop to for permission to work the clay areas and zero degrees, with either wet or dry condi- begin the mowing program to make sure we tions. Summer temperatures can hover in the didn't alter the terms or reduce any liability or high 90-degree range for weeks with humidity responsibility issues within the contracts. nearing the 100 percent mark. Communication between the construction A.I. Powell, Ir., Extension Turf Specialist contractors and me was vital. For example, for the University of Kentucky notes, "The when the concrete for the entry area of the most amazing part of the success of this field stadium was poured, it required 10 to 12 days has been that I never thought it could be to cure. By that point, the field was basically done at this location. In fact, I told Tom in place. I needed to move the maintenance Nielsen that this location might be the most equipment inside the stadium walls and store difficult place in the entire country to grow it on the warning track during this period in Kentucky bluegrass turf. The field is located order to keep up the maintenance program. behind a floodwall of the Ohio River, and in "By the April opening, the field work was . Temperature inversions, completed. There were a couple areas in the high humidity, and very stagnant air are most stands that needed some work. Our mainte- common at this location. Additionally, nance office and garage area took another 3 Kentucky bluegrass may be the most suscepti- months to complete. There had been a few ble grass under these conditions to several areas of turf around the edges that had been devastating diseases. Obviously, Mr. Nielsen affected by the lack of winter moisture and has expertly managed this field." hadn't snapped back to the level of the rest of Nielsen has developed an aggressive main- the field. I had overseeded them with peren- tenance program to make this happen, nial ryegrass earlier in the spring, the only Four of Nielsen's former assistants now have the top including a preventive approach to turf dis- time I've used any on the field. I'm still work- job at minor league fields. Mentoring is high on his ease issues. Conditions are monitored several list of priorities. ing at eliminating those patches. In retro- times each day. His log of product applica- spect, I'd have painted those spots green for tions also includes any unusual temperatures . our opener and babied the bluegrass back into top shape." or other related weather conditions, how often the tarp is used, and any Once the season opened, dealing with the real world conditions kicked in. impacting field use situations.

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Circle 103 on card or www.oners.ims.ca/2077-103

10 March 2003 SPORTSTURF • http://www.greenmediaonline.com He says, "There is no restocked as needed after ideal grass for the transition each work session. Nielsen zone. You make a choice plans to develop even and then make it work. more extensive plantings With our Bluegrass field, I and flowerbeds within the work with different varieties next couple years. to limit susceptibility. I've The second season at added quite a bit of the field, the crew took on Midnight to the field in the task of adding more overseeding each year. At drainage in the warning some point, I'll probably track. This took major want to replace the turf excavation at each spot to with all new varieties taking install 4-inch pipe from an the best of what's available. inch below the warning With the disease pressure track surface to the con- my most difficult challenge; nection point with the sub- water management is the surface drainage tiles. The most important aspect of , original drains were set 6 the overall maintenance inches below the warning program. In 2002, we had track surface. The crew nearly 2 months solid of 90- also extended them to plus degrees and high w~thin 1 inch of the sur- humidity. There were just a face. There are now 35 The crew left to right: Pete Lockwood, Tom NieLsen,' Brad Smith, KyLe Smith, and Ray few areas where the turf was Sayre. Crewman Andy Carden is not pictured. drains spaced around the a little thin and stressed, warning track, each one but only our crew was equipped with a short aware of those spots. We whisker pull on the drain's know there will be times when things don't look the best, but we want to keep valve box cover to allow quick and easy access. those as few and far between as possible." He's also experimented with raising and lowering the turf height of cut, These resultswere achieved even though Louisville Slugger Field played and with keeping it at one level throughout the season. He's determined the host to those 100 events between March 30 and October 12, 2002. Along with plant strength and vigor is greater and sheering is reduced with keeping the the 72 home games of the Louisville Bats, a Triple A affiliate of the Cincinnati same height of cut throughout the season. Reds, there were eight college and high school games, the Bats team workouts, One of the greatest time and money savers is the use of fans to float the six days of clinics/try-out camps, four privately sponsored batting practices, a tarps. Nielsen says, "We originally purchased two large oscillating fans to cre- cheerleading competition, a 2-day concert, two celebrity softball games, one ate air movement around home plate and the apron. During the second sea- spring training game featuring the Reds vs. the Baltimore Orioles, three kids' son here, we started experimenting with the fans and the tarp. We've now campouts on the field, each of which featured tents, a 5K run and two pre- removed the oscillators and mounted the fans on wheels so they can be game baseball clinics. maneuvered more easily and set them at the height and angle that fit our Nielsen's staff consists of a full-time assistant, three full-time seasonal needs. With the tarp pulled tight, we position the fans at the first and third employees, and one game day employee. He credits the following for their base sides. When conditions are windy or the field is saturated, we anchor the assistance in earning the Field of the Year honors: Brad Smith, Pete corners of the tarp with equipment as well as the pins. Lockwood, Ray Sayre, Andy Carden, Kyle Smith, Mark Piercy, Sonny Collins, "The fans actually float the tarp above the surface of the field and keep the and Erik Hagen. He also has a crew of four part-time employees who take care air circulating beneath it. Rain drips off the tarp as it falls, rather than form- of the extensive landscaping surrounding the stadium. He's adopted some ing puddles on top ofit. Occasionally, if rainfall is heavy, we need to consoli- innovative measures to make this all work. date the water on the surface toward the back of the tarp and squeegee it off. The outside landscape crew has a trailer loaded with all the equipment The turf doesn't suffer from the suctioning effect of the tarp on the grass. 'We and supplies they need for maintenance. That simple step eliminates the time have the standard 170-foot by 170-foot tarp. By using the fans, we've found we lost going into the stadium maintenance area for materials. The cart is can remove the tarp with a four or five person team, rather than 12 to 14. We

Circle 104 on card or www.oners.ims.ca/2077-104

http://www.sportsturfmanager.com • STMA SPORTSTURF 13 Field of the Year

Maintenance Program- Louisville Slugger Field

Fertilization (Granular) • Magnesium - twice in the spring, twice in the fall • Sulfate of potash - twice in the spring, twice in the fall • 12-3-8 Organic - once in the spring, once in the fall

Fertilization (Liquid) • Bi-weekly program - carbohydrates, complete amino acids, mature proteins, • Micronutrients, biostimulants, 8 % Calcium, 20 % soluble potash, and • 18-0-3 or 4-4-16 ~ As needed - 12-4-5.25 • Once a month during the active growing season - chelated calcium, liquid manganese, dethatcher, liquid humic acid • Spring and fall - 10-45-8 (auxiliary nutrient N-P-Kif needed) Infield, Mound and Plate Maintenance • Till infield 6-inches deep in spring and midway through the s~a- Weed Control son. Float to level the infield, roll with 1-ton roller • MSMApost -emergent for grassy weeds • Compact infield with 1-ton roller every other day when games are • 18-4-10 with pre-emergent herbicide (when soil temperature reach- being played es 55 degrees) • Cover with 1/4-inch soil conditioner • Postemergent for broadleaf weeds • Water clay deeply to keep clay moist • Screen infield with field rake for pre-ga1T!eand post-game groom- Fungicide ing • Preventive applications March through October, curative applica- • 5th inning drag using 4-2-foot by 8-foot stiff mat drags tions when disease is present - fungicides used vary with season, • Nail drag infield during season as needed matched to degree of potential susceptibility and products rotated • Patch mounds and plates daily with clay to reduce possibilities of resistance Lip Prevention Insecticide • Rake and sweep out edges after each game • Preventive - June 1 and August 30 - as needed if insects present • Blowout edges with hose after each home stand • Edge field every third day Wetting Agent • Used to aid water efficient for irrigation and syringing Winter Maintenance • December - cover infield and aprons with turf blankets Mowing • Blowout irrigation system • Height of cut maintained at 1-1/4-inch all season • Apply fungicide • Frequency - every day when team home, every other day when • Service and repair equipment team on the road Miscellaneous Aerification • Take soil test three times per year • Hollow tine - once in spring, twice in fall, if possible - drag in • Conduct tissue test twice per year cores and top dress 1/16-inch • Overseed in fall using 400 pounds Midnight bluegrass seed • Solid tine - each month during playing season - topdressing com- • Pre-germinate seed during season for use as needed - varieties bined, if workable used: Ram, Georgetown, 1757 and Midnight

14 March 2003 SPORTSTURF • http://www.greenmed·iaonline.com Field of the Year

can keep the tarp in ed about the opportunity place until just before the "There's great cooperation to tackle the construction start of the game, quickly and weather-related chal- remove it, and have an lenges in Louisville. excellent playing surface. "Scott Shoemaker, "We also use the fans throughout the organization. director of stadium opera- when the weather condi- tions, came to tions are especially hot Chattanooga to see my and humid and the air is have input on work there and to inter- stagnant. We position view me. When the job one of them in the mid- offer was extended, I was dle of the apron to create field use situations and my pleased to accept it. The a river of air. The air working relationship here stream pulls and pushes has been everything the surrounding air into a anticipated and more. flowing pattern creating requests are respected." There's great cooperation the air movement that throughout the organiza- helps reduce disease sus- tion. I have input on field ceptibility. Our initial cost for the fans was around $1,000 each. That has paid use situations and my requests are respected. I can't say enough about how for itself many times over." great everyone is to work with. I also give credit to my wife, Anne, for all her It's obvious that Nielsen is always looking for a challenge and his back- support and her willingness to make the moves with our family to allow me to ground had prepared him for the unique ones in Louisville. He grew up in do what I love. And thanks also go to our son Andrew, 13, and daughter Franksville, WI, where his parents had 3 1/2 acres of land, including the Cameron, 2, for putting up with Dad's schedule." neighborhood pickup game baseball Nielsen extends equal respect to field. Though he'd always loved his staff-and they earn it. He seeks baseball, he knew his talents would- out turf students with the ability, n't make it a career option. He was heart, and dedication to become in the process of studying police sci- sports turf managers and puts them ence when he discovered that work- through the ropes on the crew. He ing on a baseball field could be a says, "You have to have some vested career, not just a summer job. He interest in the job or you won't be changed his major and earned an committed to the 14- to 15-hour Associate Degree in Horticulture workdays. I really feel that during from Gateway College in Kenosha. the two to three years an individual He worked for the Milwaukee spends as part of our staff they Brewers at County Stadium for 3 - should have the opportunity to learn 1/2 years, traveling to spring training all we have to teach them. If they with the team and working with have the drive to go with the skills, George Toma there. He then took a they'll be equipped to start in a head position with Jacobsen, testing proto- position of their own. I believe it's type mowers on golf courses. He all part of the mentoring process we, worked for the Florida Marlins for as sports turf managers, owe the one spring training session. Then he industry. My goal is to have each of moved to the head position with the my assistants move on to head posi- Eugene Emeralds in Oregon for 3 tions." years. He next accepted the head And he has a good start on that. position with the Chattanooga Jake Tyler, his first assistant is now at Lookouts. the head spot with the Binghamton Nielsen says, "I had started dis- Mets. Chris Pearl holds the top spot cussion with Louisville before head- with the ; Kyle ing for Chattanooga. I'd worked with Lewis with the Norwich Navigators; all types of turf, Bermudagrass in and Pete Lockwood with the Chattanooga, overseeded Eugene Emeralds. Bermudagrass in Florida, Perennial It's the commitment by Nielsen ryegrass and poa in Eugene, and and his crew to excellence in overall bluegrass and ryegrass in field quality, safety, playability, and Milwaukee, to gain as much experi- appearance the earned the ence as possible. I'd also been help- Louisville Slugger Field STMA ing with the Field of the Year honors. BT field when Erik Hagen was working with the construction there, and was aware of many of the things he did "I was really excited about the opportunity to tackle the construction Suz Trusty is communications to stop problems from happening and weather-related challenges in ," says Nielsen. director of the Sports Turf Managers during the process. I was really excit- Association.

16 March 2003 SPORTSTURF • http://www.greenmediaonline.com